Frame construction



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Patented May 26, 193i FFIC JOHN FRAZER WARNER, OF MUNOIE, INDIANA, ASSIGNR TG CHARLES R. WAYIVIAN, 0F DAYTON, OHIO FRAIVIE CONSTRUCTION Application filed February 12, 1930. Serial No. 427,863.

An important advantage desired for refrigerators or like cabinet structures which are subjected to relatively hard usage, is that the frame construction may be strong and durable, true in form, and economical of Y manufacture.

In frame work construction of the kind referred to, the securing together of the meeting ends of the frame members so that the structure is stable and of true formation and alignment and notJ liable to distortion, has long been a problem. The frame work structure of refrigerator devices is especially liable to distortion and impairment on account of the fluctuating conditions of temperature and moisture.

The general object of the present invention' is to provide a jointure device whereby facility is aorded for the positioning of the meeting end portions of the frame members, and whereby they may be easily encased, and stably and accurately secured in their assembled status.

The aforenamed general object, as well as more specic p-urposes of my invention as will presently appear in the specification, are accomplished by, and the invention is embodied in, the new construction, combination and arrangement of part-s described herein, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Figure l is an interior side view of my improved frame construction.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of Figure l.

Figure 3 is an exterior side view, taken in the direction of arrow 3- in Figure l.

Figure fl is a perspective View of my improved jointure device in position in readiness to receive the frame members which are to be secured therein.

Figure 5 is a plan view of my jointure device before the sides of the body members have been bent to position. Y

Figure 6 is a view of a body plate of moditied formation. f

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the modification shown in Figure 6.

My improved jointure device is applicable for use in connection with frame members of various sizes, and of various dimensions in cross sections. As illustrated in the drawings it is adapted for frame members square in cross section, and for example, two inches by two inches in dimensions. For a structure which may be designated as a three-way type, it consists of a metal plate, preferably steel, of about 9A gauge, and which is formed to constitute two body portions A and B, which are at al right angle to each other. Integral with the said body portions are opposed flanges A1 and A2; Bl and B2; and which said flanges have integrally formed fingers A3, Aat, and B3 and B4 respectively. Integral with the exterior flange B2 is an extension C which hasv fingers C3 formed integral with its interior edge. integral with the exterior flange A2 is an extension D which has a flange Dl and lingers D3. By suitable dies provided for the purpose, the

blank thus described may be produced by a .l

single operation. To fashion the said blank into the structure shown in Figure the flanges Al and A2, Bl and B2 are bent to positions at a right angle to the body portion A, the iianges of each pair beingthen in confronting status, and the extensions B and C being in right angle relation to each other, and their edges C4 and D4: coinciding. The said edges are then united by welding or by any other suitable process. The flange D1 is then bent at a right angle to the said eXtension Dand the device is complete and in readiness for application to use.

lt will be understood that the bending and setting up of the device as above described is accomplished by the use of suitable jigs or tools, and that the structurefas shown in Figure V4, is true and accurate in form and alignment. r j

To apply the invention to use, the frame member l is placed in position on body portion A, its end being abutted against the body portion C of the device. rlhe ngers A3 and A4 are then bent over and into clinchedV engagement with the surface Vof said frame member. Frame member 2 is then disposed on the body portion B, its end being abutted against the side of the frame member l. Fingers B3 and Bill are then bent over and clinched. Frame member V3 is then. disposed on the extension D, its end being abutted against frame-member 1. Fingers C3 and D3 are then bent over and clinched.

By virtue of my invention, the frame members may be positioned accurately and expeditiously by an artisan of only ordinary skill. rIhe frame construction thus constituted, as shown in the views of Figures l, 2 and 3, is accurate and true in formation, and is strong and durable. The frame members, beside being held tenaciously against distortion, are retained in correct relative positions so that the frame in its entirety is true in form and is of the desired stability and strength.

The exterior sides of the device as constituted by the body portions A and B, and the extensions C and D are of continuous and smooth formation, and they impart a neat and suitable finish tothe frame structure of which they form a part. YThe invention, functioning as it does, to hold the. frame members against ldisplacement and in accurate alignment, and also to gripr the sides thereof, affords facility whereby frame members of laminated format-ion may be used. Thus there is rendered practicable the use of wooden pieces Aof various thicknesses, kinds and qualities. Such pieces combined and retained by my improved cinture device constitute frame members which are not liable to warp, twist or check, andwhen composed of pieces that will have been treated with creosote or other filler composition, are practicallyrimmune from the ravages of danipness andV moisture, and abnormal temperature conditions. j

ldfhereas I have described my invention as being made of .sheet steel, and of size and form to accommodate frame members of specified size, and as especially intended for a refrigerator cabinet frame,`it will be understood that the device may be made in various sizes and for frame structures of various forms. For example, the invention may be embodied iii form intended for the joining of two frame members only, disposed 'in right angle relation, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Obviously other modifications may be made, both as to the number of frame members joined, and as to the angle of their relation.

Vfhat- Iclaim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A jointure device of the kind described, consisting of a. metal plate formed-to constitute two body portions, one being at a right angle to the other, and each being provided with opposed flanges having lateral fingers, the flange of the exterior side of one of said body portions having an extension which is provided with fingers on its interior edge, the flange of the exterior side of the other of said body portions having an extension, and

Vupon which is an integral fiange provided with fingers on its interior edge, the said op posedflanges being bent Vto confronting status, the flange of the extension being bent at a right angle thereto, and the meeting edges of the said exterior iianges and of said extensions being united, the structure thus provided constituting two channels meeting each other at right angles, and a third channel meeting the rst two at their junction.

2. A jointure device of the kind described, consisting of a metal plate formed to constitute two body sections in right angle relation te each other, and each being provided with opposed flanges having lateral fingers, the flange of the exterior side of each of said body portions having an extension, and the said opposed flanges being bent to confronting status, and the meeting edges of the said exterior flanges and of saide'xtensions being united, theV structure thus provided constituting two channelsmeeting each other at right angles, and-exterior stays at the' meeting portions of the said channels. 1

3. In frame construction of the kind described, coiiiprising two l frame members meeting each other at a righta-ngle, and a third frame meeting the first tw'oat their point of uncture, a sheet metal jointure dcvice having channels-iat right angle to each other and within which the end portions of the two first named frame members are retained, and there being integral fingers on of said fingers being bent over to clincliing with thel said frame members.

JOHN'FRAZER VARNER.

engagement 

